Page 65 of The Cursed Fae

“The eternals were the predecessors to vampires. The fae created them as warriors from within their own ranks.”

I cleared my throat. “Um, I read about that. I got a few books at the library.”

For obvious reasons, I didn’t mention consulting Missy on the topic. Nana didn’t need to know about my ghostly friend. At least, not yet.

“You always were a curious child.” Nana stared down into her tea for a long minute. “What most books won’t tell you is that eternals can only die by their own hand. Unlike their progeny, the vampires, they can walk in sunlight. Even a stake imbued with powerful magic won’t do lasting harm. They are truly immortal.”

I bit my lip. Vampires were the creatures of nightmares, but at least they had limitations and weaknesses to exploit. The eternals sounded invincible.

“How do we deal with them?”

Nana’s expression turned grave, and she sighed. “Typically, before they rise.”

I shook my head. “I don’t follow.”

She nodded like she’d expected as much. “The thirteen eternals were all born fae. They had families and friends who helped them hold on to the shreds of their humanity as the bloodlust grew. People who convinced them it was in everyone’s best interest to end their lives. The carnage from protecting the village was too great, and it drew more attention than the fae could withstand. Twelve agreed to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.”

I was missing something, but Nana kept talking before I could ask questions.

“There is some debate over whether the thirteenth refused to take his own life, or if he stayed alive for a purpose.”

I took a long sip of water to soothe my frayed nerves. “What purpose?”

Her expression was hard. “To ensure the eternals could one day rise again if needed. The spell the fae used to create the eternals made the warriors’ souls immortal. They can be reborn as fae. Throughout the centuries, they have. Some have returned many times, and they dream of their previous lives.”

My chest ached, and my mouth felt as dry as the Mojave Desert. “The vampire at the cove… he was one of these eternals?”

Essie leaned forward and took my hand.

“I believe he is the thirteenth, the lone survivor. The one meant to turn the others when they are reborn.” She pinned me with her stare. “Only an eternal can turn another eternal. That is his purpose. His never-ending quest is to awaken all the eternals at one time and fulfill the prophecy.”

“Why?” I chewed the inside of my cheek. “I don’t get it. Why would he want to end supernatural life on earth or whatever?”

Nana actually smiled at the question. “That’s the problem with prophecies, dear. Especially those that are not passed through the generations via written word. It becomes like a game of telephone.”

I frowned, trying to unravel the knotted thoughts streaming through my mind.

Sensing my confusion, Nana added, “The prophecy says the war will end life as we know it. That last bit is a small but significant distinction. Over time, many have theorized the true meaning of that statement.”

“And?” I prompted. “What do you think it means?”

Waiting for her response was like waiting for the microwave to beep when my stomach growled louder than the electric hum of the device. Time stretched, moving in agonizing milliseconds.

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” she said at last. “Only what the thirteenth eternal believes. It is his interpretation we need to worry about.” Her expression fierce, Nana continued. “It seems he believes the prophecy is a call for revolution. A time to bring about vampiric rule. The only way he can do that is with his eternal brethren by his side. That is why we cannot allow them to rise.”

Chapter twenty-three

School Spirits

After our doozy of a conversation, Nana was quick to say yes when I asked to use her car to go for a drive and think. She agreed without too many questions after advising me repeatedly to stay in the area. No vampires or eternals could enter Arcane Landing. If I left the safety of the enclave, there was no guarantee someone wouldn't be waiting for me.

That thought alone made me reevaluate my evening plans. The beach was inside the wards, so at least I would have protection. There was no reason to leave the safety zone. I could do this.

Thanks to GPS and a decent memory, I found my way to the cove easily enough. I parked and cut the lights, though not the engine. I just needed a minute to collect my thoughts. All the talk of eternals and prophecies had the attack fresh in my mind, not that it was ever far from the forefront.

The last time I'd set foot on the snowy sand, an eternal brought an army of vampires to our shores. A small army, but still. Not my fondest memory.

Nana had explained lots about the prophecy. The more I thought about it, the more obvious it became that she'd also held back a great deal. Sure, she'd admitted the vampire on the beach was eternal. But how did she know that? Nana saw him that night, yet it wasn't until our conversation that she guessed the creature's true nature.

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